Barnwell said in addition to their collective coat drive, each police precinct also has a bin where community members can drop off gently used jackets.

In the last week, the cold weather has intensified, capped off by snow and rain that turned city streets into slush. Barnwell said a coat drive makes perfect sense given the weather.

“So many people have coats that don’t fit them and just leave them in their closets,” he said. “So many people need coats but can’t afford them. It’s a perfect match.”

Councilman Costa Constantinides, whose office also took in coat donations from the community, also collected toys, which were wrapped and distributed to children for Toys for Tots.

“While we all know what it’s like to be cold, it’s important to keep in mind that many New Yorkers endure freezing temperatures throughout the day with no relief,” Constantinides said.

Although the officials’ coat drive has ended, Barnwell encouraged altruistic neighbors to continue donating coats throughout the winter. He said they can drop them off at their local precincts, call New York Cares or even contact the assemblyman-elect himself.

“It’s a small thing to do, but I’m glad everyone turned out in droves to do it,” Barnwell said.